T

he weekend of March 23 had been on the calendar of 
many excited Destin business owners and operators for 
months. These local businesses had reason to be excited 
as the readers of VIP Destin Magazine had voted them 

Best In Destin in their respective categories and it was time to 
receive their awards and celebrate their accomplishments.  This was 
the sixth year that VIP Destin Magazine acknowledged the Best 
In Destin winners in such regal style at the Black Tie Ball held at 
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa.  

As winners arrived, their photos were taken on the red carpet 

in the venue entrance adorned with giant magazine covers from 
the previous year. They entered the lounge area with an air of 
excitement while mingling and taking in all of their glamorously 
dressed friends, both new and old. As the room fi lled with the 
crowd of 300 people, the ballroom doors opened and a fabulous 

celebratory dinner was served. Later, awards were presented as 
the winners walked across the stage receiving accolades not just 
for winning, but for being so dedicated to their jobs, businesses, 
professions, and the people that they serve. After the presentations, 
there were many photo opportunities including a photo booth and 
a separate photo vignette area where winners posed proudly with 
their friends, signifi cant others, and especially, their awards. Many 
continued to visit with the exclusive crowd while the band, Mass 
Konfuzion, entertained from the ballroom.

VIP Destin Magazine is proud to provide Best In Destin as a 

forum for locals and visitors to express their opinions on their 
favorite places in the area in over 150 categories. With almost 
340,000 votes in the polling this year, each nominee and winner 
should be incredibly proud that folks took the time to support the 
businesses, people, and places that they believe are the Best.

photos by

Zhalman Harris, Rhonda Schaefer, Whitney Thetford, Kristina Wright & DJ30A Photo Booths

 story by

Greg Alexander

March 23, 2019

April 2019   |   15

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3/29/19   10:32 AM